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Is the word "mouse" ambigous, vague, both, or neither?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The word 'mouse' is ambiguous due to its multiple specific meanings, but it is not vague since each meaning is clear and distinct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word "mouse" can be considered ambiguous, as it has more than one meaning. In one context, it refers to a small rodent, while in another, it can mean a computer input device. The potential for confusion arises when it is not clear from the context which meaning is intended.

For instance, if someone says, 'I need to buy a new mouse,' without further information, we do not know if they are acquiring a pet or a piece of computer hardware. This ambiguity can be resolved with additional context or clarification.

However, the term "mouse" is not typically considered vague, as each meaning of the word is quite specific. Whether referring to the animal or the computer device, the term conveys a clear and distinct concept.

Therefore, ambiguity pertains to the presence of multiple specific meanings, whereas vagueness would imply a lack of specificity or clarity in meaning, which is not the case with "mouse."

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